Local

Mudslide victim Linda McPherson remembered in Darrington

DARRINGTON. Wash. -- The life of Linda McPherson was honored and celebrated at the Darrington Community Center Saturday afternoon. The 69 year old retired librarian was killed on March 22nd when the land above Oso gave way.

Linda and her husband Mac where sitting in their recliners when the mudslide struck their home. Mac was injured, but survived.

Several hundred people filled the Darrington Community to memorialize Linda. She grew up with six brothers and sisters in Oso.

"When we were growing up if life threw us lemons, we always had lemonade. She always made things better for everyone around her," said Eric McPherson as he spoke about his mother during the service.

Colleagues say Linda's joy seemed endless at the Darrington Library where she worked for 28 years. She also served on the Darrington School Board where she generously gave as a board member.

"Mom was a truly great person, not for her accomplishments, but how she touched the hearts of some many. I know she is here now watching from above."

During the service, Linda's two children and husband of 44 years celebrate her countless contributions to their family, friends and her beloved hometown of Darrington.

"What was amazing about Linda was that because she had such a large heart and spirit there was room for all of us," said a colleague who worked with Linda at Sno Isle Library system.

And that was an intrinsic part of Linda's love of community and all that she was.

"She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, servant of her community and a child of God. She is gone from this place," said Diane Shaw-Denny who was friend and family member of Linda.

But the powerful legacy the 69 year old left behind: the love, the care and the commitment to the people of Darrington will never be forgotten.

"She is now with God and all those she loved who went before her, her spirit lives in our hearts and resides in the river valley and mountains she called home and loved," said Shaw-Denny.